System and method of scanning an environment and generating two dimensional images of the environment

ABSTRACT

A system and method for scanning an environment and generating an annotated 2D map is provided. The system includes a 2D scanner having a light source, an image sensor and a first controller. The first controller determines a distance value to at least one of the object points. The system further includes a 360° camera having a movable platform, and a second controller that merges the images acquired by the cameras to generate an image having a 360° view in a horizontal plane. The system also includes processors coupled to the 2D scanner and the 360° camera. The processors are responsive to generate a 2D map of the environment based at least in part on a signal from an operator and the distance value. The processors being further responsive for acquiring a 360° image and integrating it at a location on the 2D map.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/179,357 filed Nov. 2, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/589,130 filed Nov. 21, 2017, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present application is directed to a system that optically scans anenvironment, such as a building, and in particular to a portable systemthat generates two-dimensional floorplans of the scanned environmentwith integrated images or point cloud data.

The automated creation of digital two-dimensional floorplans forexisting structures is desirable as it allows the size and shape of theenvironment to be used in many processes. For example, a floorplan maybe desirable to allow construction drawings to be prepared during arenovation. Such floorplans may find other uses such as in documenting abuilding for a fire department or to document a crime scene.

Existing measurement systems typically use a scanning device thatdetermines coordinates of surfaces in the environment by either: 1)emitting a light and capturing a reflection to determine a distance; or2) by triangulation using cameras. These scanning device are mounted toa movable structure, such as a cart, and moved through the building togenerate a digital representation of the building. These systems tend tobe more complex and require specialized personnel to perform the scan.Further, the scanning equipment including the movable structure may bebulky, which could further delay the scanning process in time sensitivesituations, such as a crime or accident scene investigation.

Accordingly, while existing scanners are suitable for their intendedpurposes, what is needed is a system for having certain features ofembodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a system for scanning anenvironment and generating an annotated two-dimensional (2D) map isprovided. The system includes a 2D scanner having a light source, animage sensor and a first controller. The light source steers a beam oflight within the first plane to illuminate object points in theenvironment. The image sensor is arranged to receive light reflectedfrom the object points. The first controller being operable to determinea distance value to at least one of the object points. The 2D scannerfurther having an inertial measurement unit, the inertial measurementunit generating a signal in response a change in position or orientationof the 2D scanner, the 2D scanner being sized and weighted to be carriedand operated by a single person. The system further includes a 360°camera having a movable platform, the 360° camera having a plurality ofcameras and a second controller, the second controller being operable tomerge the images acquired by the plurality of cameras to generate animage having a 360° view in a horizontal plane. The system still furtherincludes one or more processors operably coupled to the 2D scanner andthe 360° camera. The one or more processors are responsive tonon-transient executable instructions for generating a 2D map of theenvironment in response to an activation signal from an operator andbased at least in part on the distance value and the signal. The one ormore processors being further responsive for acquiring the 360° imageand integrating the 360° image at a location on the 2D map thatcorresponds to the location where the image was acquired.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for generating atwo-dimensional (2D) image of an environment is provided. The methodincludes scanning the environment with a 2D scanner having a lightsource, an image sensor, and an inertial measurement unit, the lightsource steers a beam of light within the first plane to illuminateobject points in the environment, the image sensor is arranged toreceive light reflected from the object points, the 2D scanner beingsized and weighted to be carried and operated by a single person. Adistance value is determined to at least one of the object point withthe 2D scanner. A change in position or orientation of the 2D scanner isdetermined with the inertial measurement unit. A plurality of images areacquired with a 360° camera, the 360° camera being coupled to movableplatform and having a plurality of cameras, each of the plurality ofimages being acquired by one of the plurality of cameras. The pluralityof images are merged to generate an image having a 360° view in ahorizontal plane. A 2D map of the environment is generated in responseto an activation signal from an operator and based at least in part onthe distance value and the signal. The 360° image is integrated at alocation on the 2D map that corresponds to the location where theplurality of images were acquired.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system of generating atwo-dimensional (2D) image of an environment is provided. The systemincludes a 2D scanner, a 3D measurement device, and one or moreprocessors. The 2D scanner is sized and weighted to be carried by asingle person. The 2D scanner has a first light source, an image sensor,and an inertial measurement unit, the first light source steers a beamof light within a first plane to illuminate object points in theenvironment, the image sensor is arranged to receive light reflectedfrom the object points. The 3D measurement device has a 360° cameracoupled to movable platform. The 360° camera includes a plurality ofcameras and a second controller, the second controller being operable tomerge the images acquired by the plurality of cameras to generate animage having a 360° view in a horizontal plane. The 3D scanner beingmovable from a first position to a second position on the movableplatform. The one or more processors are responsive to non-transientexecutable instructions which when executed by the one or moreprocessors to: cause the 2D scanner to acquire a plurality oftwo-dimensional coordinates of points on surfaces in the environment;cause the 3D scanner at the first position to acquire a first 360° imageof the environment; generate a 2D map based at least in part on theplurality of two-dimensional coordinates of points; and integrating thefirst 360° image onto the 2D map.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages ofthe invention are apparent from the following detailed description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of scanning and mapping systems inaccordance with an embodiments;

FIGS. 4-5 are perspective view of a handheld two-dimensional (2D)scanner for use in the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the 2D scanner of FIG. 4 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a second section view of the 2D scanner of FIG. 4 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the 2D scanner of FIG. 4 in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a 360° camera for use in thesystem of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the 360° camera of FIG. 9 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the 360° camera of FIG. 9 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 12-14 are plan views of stages of a two-dimensional map generatedwith the system of FIGS. 1-3 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of stages of 360° image acquisition by the 360°camera of FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a method of generating a 2D map withintegrated panoramic images with the system of FIGS. 1-3 in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIGS. 17-18 are two dimensional maps generated by the method of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of an annotated two-dimensional map generatedwith the method of FIG. 16 that includes 360° images in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of a method of generating a two-dimensionalmap and a three-dimensional point cloud in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 21 is an illustration of an annotated two-dimensional map generatedwith the method of FIG. 19 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a display of virtual environment generatedfrom panoramic images acquired during a scan by the system of FIGS. 1-3in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 illustrating aregistration of a mobile panoramic device to the 2D scanner;

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a laser scanner and hand scannerfor the system of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of the operation of the system ofFIG. 23 ;

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the system of FIG. 23; and

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a system of FIG. 23 using 2Dscanner and acquiring 360° images in multiple locations in accordancewith another embodiment.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a device that includes a system havinga 2D scanner that works cooperatively with a mobile 360° camera togenerate an annotated two-dimensional map of an environment. Otherembodiments of the invention include a system having a 2D scanner and amobile 360° camera the work cooperatively to generate a two-dimensionalmap and a point cloud of an environment.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a system 20 is shown forscanning an environment and generating an annotated two-dimensional (2D)map. The system 20 includes a two-dimensional (2D) scanner 22 and athree-dimensional (3D) measurement device 24. As will be discussed inmore detail herein, in an embodiment, the 2D scanner 22 acquirestwo-dimensional coordinates of points on surfaces (e.g. walls) withinthe environment that may be used to generate a 2D map of theenvironment. In an embodiment, the 2D map is generated in real timeusing simultaneous localization and mapping. As will also be discussedin more detail herein, the 3D measurement device 24 includes a 360°camera that includes a plurality of cameras. The images acquired by theplurality of cameras may be merged to generate an image having a 360°field of view. In an embodiment, the 3D measurement device 24 mayinclude a mobile platform that facilitates moving the 3D measurementdevice 24 between positions within the environment.

It should be appreciated that the 2D scanner 22 may be sized andweighted to be carried and operated by a single person. In otherembodiments, such as the system 20 shown in FIG. 2 , the 2D scanner 22may be removably coupled to the 3D measurement device 24, such as to aframework 26 or a holder 28 for example. In still another embodiment,the system 20 includes a 2D scanner 22A that is fixed relative to the 3Dmeasurement device 24. In an embodiment, the 2D scanner 22A may besimilar to or the same as that described in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No.9,739,886, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8 , an embodiment is shown of the 2D scanner 22of FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the 2D scanner 22 includes a housing 32that includes a body portion 34 and a handle portion 36. The handle 36may include an actuator 38 that allows the operator to interact with the2D scanner 22. In the exemplary embodiment, the body 34 includes agenerally rectangular center portion 35 with a slot 40 formed in an end42. The slot 40 is at least partially defined by a pair walls 44, 46that are angled towards a second end 48. As will be discussed in moredetail herein, a portion of a two-dimensional scanner 50 is arrangedbetween the walls 44, 46. The walls 44, 46 are angled to allow thescanner 50 to operate by emitting a light over a large angular areawithout interference from the walls 44, 46. As will be discussed in moredetail herein, the end 42 may further include a three-dimensional cameraor RGBD camera 60.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second end 48 is defined by asemi-cylindrical surface 52 and a pair of side walls 54. In anembodiment, the side walls 54 include a plurality of exhaust ventopenings 56. The exhaust vent openings 56 are fluidly coupled to intakevent openings 58 arranged on a bottom surface 62 of center portion 35.The intake vent openings 58 allow external air to enter a conduit 64having an opposite opening 66 (FIG. 6 ) in fluid communication with thehollow interior 67 of the body 34. In an embodiment, the opening 66 isarranged adjacent to a controller 68 which has one or more processorsthat is operable to perform the methods described herein. In anembodiment, the external air flows from the opening 66 over or aroundthe controller 68 and out the exhaust vent openings 56.

The controller 68 is coupled to a wall 70 of body 34. In an embodiment,the wall 70 is coupled to or integral with the handle 36. The controller68 is electrically coupled to the 2D scanner 50, the 3D camera 60, apower source 72, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 74, a laser lineprojector 76, and a haptic feedback device 77.

Referring now to FIG. 9 with continuing reference to FIGS. 4-7 ,elements are shown of the system 30. Controller 68 is a suitableelectronic device capable of accepting data and instructions, executingthe instructions to process the data, and presenting the results. Thecontroller 68 includes one or more processing elements 78. Theprocessors may be microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and generally any devicecapable of performing computing functions. The one or more processors 78have access to memory 80 for storing information.

Controller 68 is capable of converting the analog voltage or currentlevel provided by 2D scanner 50, 3D camera 60 and IMU 74 into a digitalsignal to determine a distance from the system 30 to an object in theenvironment. Controller 68 uses the digital signals that act as input tovarious processes for controlling the system 30. The digital signalsrepresent one or more system 30 data including but not limited todistance to an object, images of the environment, acceleration, pitchorientation, yaw orientation and roll orientation.

In general, controller 68 accepts data from 2D scanner 50 and IMU 74 andis given certain instructions for the purpose of generating atwo-dimensional map of a scanned environment. Controller 68 providesoperating signals to the 2D scanner 50, the 3D camera 60, laser lineprojector 76 and haptic feedback device 77. Controller 68 also acceptsdata from IMU 74, indicating, for example, whether the operator isoperating in the system in the desired orientation. The controller 68compares the operational parameters to predetermined variances (e.g.yaw, pitch or roll thresholds) and if the predetermined variance isexceeded, generates a signal that activates the haptic feedback device77. The data received by the controller 68 may be displayed on a userinterface coupled to controller 68. The user interface may be one ormore LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 82, an LCD (liquid-crystal diode)display, a CRT (cathode ray tube) display, or the like. A keypad mayalso be coupled to the user interface for providing data input tocontroller 68. In one embodiment, the user interface is arranged orexecuted on a mobile computing device that is coupled for communication,such as via a wired or wireless communications medium (e.g. Ethernet,serial, USB, Bluetooth™ or WiFi) for example, to the 2D scanner 22.

The controller 68 may also be coupled to external computer networks suchas a local area network (LAN) and the Internet. A LAN interconnects oneor more remote computers, which are configured to communicate withcontroller 68 using a well-known computer communications protocol suchas TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet ({circumflex over( )}) Protocol), RS-232, ModBus, and the like. Additional 2D scanners 22may also be connected to LAN with the controllers 68 in each of these 2Dscanners 22 being configured to send and receive data to and from remotecomputers and other 2D scanner 22. The LAN may be connected to theInternet. This connection allows controller 68 to communicate with oneor more remote computers connected to the Internet.

The processors 78 are coupled to memory 80. The memory 80 may includerandom access memory (RAM) device 84, a non-volatile memory (NVM) device86, a read-only memory (ROM) device 88. In addition, the processors 78may be connected to one or more input/output (I/O) controllers 90 and acommunications circuit 92. In an embodiment, the communications circuit92 provides an interface that allows wireless or wired communicationwith one or more external devices or networks, such as the LAN discussedabove.

Controller 68 includes operation control methods embodied in applicationcode shown in FIG. 16 , FIG. 20 , and FIG. 26 . These methods areembodied in computer instructions written to be executed by processors78, typically in the form of software. The software can be encoded inany language, including, but not limited to, assembly language, VHDL(Verilog Hardware Description Language), VHSIC HDL (Very High Speed ICHardware Description Language), Fortran (formula translation), C, C++,C#, Objective-C, Visual C++, Java, ALGOL (algorithmic language), BASIC(beginners all-purpose symbolic instruction code), visual BASIC,ActiveX, HTML (HyperText Markup Language), Python, Ruby and anycombination or derivative of at least one of the foregoing.

Coupled to the controller 68 is the 2D scanner 50. The 2D scanner 50measures 2D coordinates in a plane. In the exemplary embodiment, thescanning is performed by steering light within a plane to illuminateobject points in the environment. The 2D scanner 50 collects thereflected (scattered) light from the object points to determine 2Dcoordinates of the object points in the 2D plane. In an embodiment, the2D scanner 50 scans a spot of light over an angle while at the same timemeasuring an angle value and corresponding distance value to each of theilluminated object points.

Examples of 2D scanners 50 include, but are not limited to Model LMS100scanners manufactured by Sick, Inc of Minneapolis, Minn. and scannerModels URG-04LX-UG01 and UTM-30LX manufactured by Hokuyo Automatic Co.,Ltd of Osaka, Japan. The scanners in the Sick LMS100 family measureangles over a 270 degree range and over distances up to 20 meters. TheHoyuko model URG-04LX-UG01 is a low-cost 2D scanner that measures anglesover a 240 degree range and distances up to 4 meters. The Hoyuko modelUTM-30LX is a 2D scanner that measures angles over a 270 degree rangeand to distances up to 30 meters. It should be appreciated that theabove 2D scanners are exemplary and other types of 2D scanners are alsoavailable.

In an embodiment, the 2D scanner 50 is oriented so as to scan a beam oflight over a range of angles in a generally horizontal plane (relativeto the floor of the environment being scanned). At instants in time the2D scanner 50 returns an angle reading and a corresponding distancereading to provide 2D coordinates of object points in the horizontalplane. In completing one scan over the full range of angles, the 2Dscanner returns a collection of paired angle and distance readings. Asthe 2D scanner 22 is moved from place to place, the 2D scanner 50continues to return 2D coordinate values. These 2D coordinate values areused to locate the position of the system 30 thereby enabling thegeneration of a two-dimensional map or floorplan of the environment.

Also coupled to the controller 86 is the IMU 74. The IMU 74 is aposition/orientation sensor that may include accelerometers 94(inclinometers), gyroscopes 96, a magnetometers or compass 98, andaltimeters. In the exemplary embodiment, the IMU 74 includes multipleaccelerometers 94 and gyroscopes 96. The compass 98 indicates a headingbased on changes in magnetic field direction relative to the earth'smagnetic north. The IMU 74 may further have an altimeter that indicatesaltitude (height). An example of a widely used altimeter is a pressuresensor. By combining readings from a combination of position/orientationsensors with a fusion algorithm that may include a Kalman filter,relatively accurate position and orientation measurements can beobtained using relatively low-cost sensor devices. In the exemplaryembodiment, the IMU 74 determines the pose or orientation of the system30 about three-axis to allow a determination of a yaw, roll and pitchparameter.

In embodiment, the 2D scanner 22 further includes a 3D camera 60. Asused herein, the term 3D camera refers to a device that produces atwo-dimensional image that includes distances to a point in theenvironment from the location of system 30. The 3D camera 30 may be arange camera or a stereo camera. In an embodiment, the 3D camera 30includes an RGB-D sensor that combines color information with aper-pixel depth information. In an embodiment, the 3D camera 30 mayinclude an infrared laser projector 31 (FIG. 8 ), a left infrared camera33, a right infrared camera 39, and a color camera 37. In an embodiment,the 3D camera 60 is a RealSense™ camera model R200 manufactured by IntelCorporation.

In the exemplary embodiment, the 2D scanner 22 is a handheld portabledevice that is sized and weighted to be carried by a single personduring operation. Therefore, the plane 51 (FIG. 6 ) in which the 2Dscanner 50 projects a light beam may not be horizontal relative to thefloor or may continuously change as the computer moves during thescanning process. Thus, the signals generated by the accelerometers 94,gyroscopes 96 and compass 98 may be used to determine the pose (yaw,roll, tilt) of the 2D scanner 22 and determine the orientation of theplane 51.

In an embodiment, it may be desired to maintain the pose of the 2Dscanner 22 (and thus the plane 51) within predetermined thresholdsrelative to the yaw, roll and pitch orientations of the 2D scanner 22.In an embodiment, a haptic feedback device 77 is disposed within thehousing 32, such as in the handle 36. The haptic feedback device 77 is adevice that creates a force, vibration or motion that is felt or heardby the operator. The haptic feedback device 77 may be, but is notlimited to: an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor or a linearresonant actuator for example. The haptic feedback device is used toalert the operator that the orientation of the light beam from 2Dscanner 50 is equal to or beyond a predetermined threshold. Inoperation, when the IMU 74 measures an angle (yaw, roll, pitch or acombination thereof), the controller 68 transmits a signal to a motorcontroller 100 that activates a vibration motor 102. Since the vibrationoriginates in the handle 36, the operator will be notified of thedeviation in the orientation of the 2D scanner 22. The vibrationcontinues until the 2D scanner 22 is oriented within the predeterminedthreshold or the operator releases the actuator 38. In an embodiment, itis desired for the plane 51 to be within 10-15 degrees of horizontal(relative to the ground) about the yaw, roll and pitch axes.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-11 , an embodiment is shown of a 360° camerasystem 120 that may be used with the 3D measurement device 24 (FIG. 1 ).In an embodiment, the 360° camera system 120 is mounted to the framework 26 to be spaced apart from the floor on which the 3D measurementdevice 24 is placed. The 360° camera system 120 includes a plurality ofcameras 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D. The cameras 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D areoriented 90 degrees apart. It should be appreciated that the illustratedembodiment shows the 360° camera system 120 as having four cameras, thisis for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited. Inother embodiments, the camera system 120 may have more or fewer cameras.For example, in one embodiment, the 360° camera system 120 may have twocameras having fisheye lenses that are positioned 180 degrees apart.Each camera 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D includes a lens system 124A, 124B,124C, 124D, such as a wide angle lens for example. In an embodiment, thelenses 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D provide a 360° field of view of theenvironment around the 360° camera system 120. In an embodiment, thelens provide a 360°×180° field of view. Associated with each of thelenses 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D are an optical sensor or photosensitivearray 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D. The photosensitive arrays 126A, 126B,126C, 126D are arranged to receive light from the lenses 124A, 124B,124C, 124D and acquire an image therefrom.

The photosensitive arrays 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D are electricallycoupled to a controller 128 (FIG. 11 ) having a processor 130. As willbe discussed in more detail herein, the processor 130 is responsive toexecutable computer instructions for merging the images acquired by thecameras 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D to generate a single 360° image,sometimes referred to as a panoramic image. The controller 128 furtherincludes memory 132. The memory 132 may be comprised of random accessmemory 134, read-only memory 136 and nonvolatile memory 138. Thecontroller 128 may further includes a communications circuit 140 thatallows the controller 128 to communicate and exchange data with one ormore remote computers or other 3D measurement devices 24. Thecommunications circuit 140 may allow communication via wired (e.g.Ethernet) or wireless (e.g. Wifi, Bluetooth, etc.) communicationsprotocols.

The controller 128 may further include and input/output (I/O) controller142. In an embodiment, the I/O controller 142 provides an interface withthe cameras 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D. The I/O controller 142 may furtherprovide a connection to the 2D scanner 22 such as via a port 144 forexample. The controller 128 may be connected to a power source 146, suchas battery for example.

The controller 128 includes operational control methods embodied inapplication code. These methods are embodied in computer instructionswritten to be executed by processor 130, typically in the form ofsoftware. The software can be encoded in any language, including, butnot limited to, assembly language, VHDL (Verilog Hardware DescriptionLanguage), VHSIC HDL (Very High Speed IC Hardware Description Language),Fortran (formula translation), C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Visual C++,Java, ALGOL (algorithmic language), BASIC (beginners all-purposesymbolic instruction code), visual BASIC, ActiveX, HTML (HyperTextMarkup Language), Python, Ruby and any combination or derivative of atleast one of the foregoing.

In an embodiment, the operation control methods include the merging ofimages acquired by the cameras 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D to generate a 360°image. In one embodiment 360° image is a 360° horizontal by 180°vertical image. In one embodiment the controller 128 causes the cameras122A, 122B, 122C, 122D to acquire images of the environmentsimultaneously. Each of the cameras 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D acquires a 2Dor planar image of the field of view of the respective camera. In anembodiment the individual 2D images are merged, sometimes colloquiallyreferred to as “stitching”, to define a single 360° image. In oneembodiment 360° image is a 360° horizontal by 180° vertical image. Themerging of the 2D images may include a projection of the 2D images ontoa cylinder or a sphere. In some embodiment, distortions in the 2D imagemay be removed from the 360° image. The distortions may be caused bymapping spherical angles onto a rectangular grid, sometimes referred toas the “Mercator” problem. It should be appreciated that the terms 360°image or panoramic image may refer to images that include distortion andthose in which the distortions have been removed.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14 , the operation of the 2D scanner 22 isshown. In an embodiment, the 2D scanner 50 makes measurements as thescanner 22 is moved about an environment, such from a first position 150to a second registration position 152 as shown in FIG. 12 . In anembodiment, 2D scan data is collected and processed as the scanner 22passes through a plurality of 2D measuring positions 154. At eachmeasuring position 154, the 2D scanner 50 collects 2D coordinate dataover an effective FOV 156. Using methods described in more detail below,the controller 68 uses 2D scan data from the plurality of 2D scans atpositions 154 to determine a position and orientation of the scanner 22as it is moved about the environment. In an embodiment, the commoncoordinate system is represented by 2D Cartesian coordinates x, y and byan angle of rotation θ relative to the x or y axis. In an embodiment,the x and y axes lie in the plane of the 2D scanner and may be furtherbased on a direction of a “front” of the 2D scanner 50.

FIG. 13 shows the scanner 22 collecting 2D scan data at selectedpositions 154 over an effective FOV 156. At different positions 154, the2D scanner 50 captures a portion of the object 164 marked A, B, C, D,and E. FIG. 14 shows 2D scanner 50 moving in time relative to a fixedframe of reference of the object 164.

FIG. 13 includes the same information as FIG. 12 but shows it from theframe of reference of the scanner 22 rather than the frame of referenceof the object 164. FIG. 13 illustrates that in the scanner 22 frame ofreference, the position of features on the object change over time.Therefore, the distance traveled by the scanner 22 can be determinedfrom the 2D scan data sent from the 2D scanner 50 to the controller 68.

As the 2D scanner 50 takes successive 2D readings and performs best-fitcalculations, the controller 68 keeps track of the translation androtation of the 2D scanner 50, which is the same as the translation androtation of the scanner 22. In this way, the controller 68 is able toaccurately determine the change in the values of x, y, θ as the scanner22 moves from the first position 150 to the second position 152.

In an embodiment, the controller 68 is configured to determine a firsttranslation value, a second translation value, along with first andsecond rotation values (yaw, roll, pitch) that, when applied to acombination of the first 2D scan data and second 2D scan data, resultsin transformed first 2D data that closely matches transformed second 2Ddata according to an objective mathematical criterion. In general, thetranslation and rotation may be applied to the first scan data, thesecond scan data, or to a combination of the two. For example, atranslation applied to the first data set is equivalent to a negative ofthe translation applied to the second data set in the sense that bothactions produce the same match in the transformed data sets. An exampleof an “objective mathematical criterion” is that of minimizing the sumof squared residual errors for those portions of the scan datadetermined to overlap. Another type of objective mathematical criterionmay involve a matching of multiple features identified on the object.For example, such features might be the edge transitions 158, 160, 162shown in FIG. 12 . The mathematical criterion may involve processing ofthe raw data provided by the 2D scanner 50 to the controller 68, or itmay involve a first intermediate level of processing in which featuresare represented as a collection of line segments using methods that areknown in the art, for example, methods based on the Iterative ClosestPoint (ICP). Such a method based on ICP is described in Censi, A., “AnICP variant using a point-to-line metric,” IEEE International Conferenceon Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2008, which is incorporated byreference herein.

In an embodiment, assuming that the plane 51 of the light beam from 2Dscanner 50 remains horizontal relative to the ground plane, the firsttranslation value is dx, the second translation value is dy, and thefirst rotation value dθ. If the first scan data is collected with the 2Dscanner 50 having translational and rotational coordinates (in areference coordinate system) of (x₁, y₁, θ₁), then when the second 2Dscan data is collected at a second location the coordinates are given by(x₂, y₂, θ₂)=(x₁+dx, y₁+dy, θ₁+dθ). In an embodiment, the controller 86is further configured to determine a third translation value (forexample, dz) and a second and third rotation values (for example, pitchand roll). The third translation value, second rotation value, and thirdrotation value may be determined based at least in part on readings fromthe IMU 74.

The 2D scanner 50 collects 2D scan data starting at the first position150 and more 2D scan data at the second position 152. In some cases,these scans may suffice to determine the position and orientation of the2D scanner 22 at the second position 152 relative to the first position150. In other cases, the two sets of 2D scan data are not sufficient toenable the controller 68 to determine (with the desired accuracy) thefirst translation value, the second translation value, and the firstrotation value. This problem may be avoided by collecting 2D scan dataat intermediate scan positions 154. In an embodiment, the 2D scan datais collected and processed at regular intervals, for example, once persecond. In this way, features in the environment are identified insuccessive 2D scans at positions 154. In an embodiment, when more thantwo 2D scans are obtained, the controller 68 may use the informationfrom all the successive 2D scans in determining the translation androtation values in moving from the first position 150 to the secondposition 152. In another embodiment, only the first and last scans inthe final calculation, simply using the intermediate 2D scans to ensureproper correspondence of matching features. In most cases, accuracy ofmatching is improved by incorporating information from multiplesuccessive 2D scans.

It should be appreciated that as the 2D scanner 22 is moved beyond thesecond position 152, a two-dimensional image or map of the environmentbeing scanned may be generated.

On a periodic or aperiodic basis, the measurement device 24 is movedfrom a first position 166 to a second position 168. At each position166, 168, the controller 128 causes the cameras 122A, 122B, 122C, 122Dto acquire images within each of the respective fields of view 170. Thisplurality of images are subsequently merged together to define a 360°image associated with that position. As will be discussed in more detailherein, the 360° image may be integrated with or otherwise linked in a2D map generated from the 2D coordinate data generated by the scanner22.

As discussed in more detail herein, in one embodiment, the first 360°image acquired at the first position 166 and the second 360° imageacquired at second position 168 are used to define 3D coordinates ofpoints on surfaces of the objects 164, 165 via photogrammetry (i.e.generate a point cloud).

Referring now to FIG. 16 , method 170 is shown for generating 2D maps ofan environment that are annotated with 360° images. The method 170starts in block 172 where the facility or area is scanned to acquirescan data 182, such as that shown in FIG. 17 . The scanning is performedby carrying the 2D scanner 22 through the area to be scanned. The 2Dscanner 22 measures distances from the 2D scanner 22 to an object, suchas a wall for example, and also a pose of the 2D scanner 22 in anembodiment the user interacts with the 2D scanner 22 via actuator 38(FIG. 5). In other embodiments, a mobile computing device (e.g. cellularphone) provides a user interface that allows the operator to initiatethe functions and control methods described herein. Using theregistration process desired herein, the two dimensional locations ofthe measured points on the scanned objects (e.g. walls, doors, windows,cubicles, file cabinets etc.) may be determined. It is noted that theinitial scan data may include artifacts, such as data that extendsthrough a window 184 or an open door 186 for example. Therefore, thescan data 182 may include additional information that is not desired ina 2D map or layout of the scanned area.

The method 170 then proceeds to block 174 where a 2D map 188 isgenerated of the scanned area as shown in FIG. 18 . The generated 2D map188 represents a scan of the area, such as in the form of a floor planwithout the artifacts of the initial scan data. It should be appreciatedthat the 2D map 188 may be utilized directly by an architect, interiordesigner or construction contractor as it represents a dimensionallyaccurate representation of the scanned area. The method 170 thenproceeds to block 176 where the 360° images are acquired by moving themeasurement device 24 through the environment. In an embodiment, theposition of the measurement device 24 when the images are acquired isdetermined by matching planes in the 360° image with the lines on the 2Dmap 188. In another embodiment, the position of the measurement system24 is registered by the 2D scanner 22. The method 170 then proceeds toblock 178 where 360° image annotations are made to the 2D maps 188 todefine an annotated 2D map 190 (FIG. 19 ) that includes information,such as the 360° images 192, 194, 196. It should be appreciated that the360° images may be integrated directly onto the 2D map 190 or may be alink such as a hyperlink that allows the 360° images to be opened inviewing software or in a wearable device, such as virtual realityglasses or goggles. In an embodiment, when the operator selects a linkin the 2D map, the viewing software initiates operation by displayingthe point cloud (or a rendered version thereof) at the location of thelink in the 2D map.

In some geographic regions, public safety services such as firedepartments may keep records of building or facility layouts for use incase of an emergency as an aid to the public safety personnel inresponding to an event. It should be appreciated that these annotationsmay be advantageous in alerting the public safety personnel to potentialissues they may encounter when entering the facility, and also allowthem to quickly locate egress locations.

Once the annotations of the 2D annotated map 190 are completed, themethod 170 then proceeds to block 180 where the 2D annotated map 190 isstored in memory, such as nonvolatile memory 80 for example. The 2Dannotated map 190 may also be stored in a network accessible storagedevice or server so that it may be accessed by the desired personnel.

Referring now to FIG. 20 , a method 200 of acquiring a 2D map of anenvironment and generating a point cloud with the system 20 is shown.The method 200 is similar to method 170 described herein. The method 200begins with a scan of the environment in block 172 to acquire 2D data ofthe environment with scanner 22. The method 200 then proceeds to block174 where a 2D map, such as map 206 (FIG. 21 ) for example, is generatedfrom the 2D data acquired by 2D scanner 22. With the 2D data acquired,or simultaneously with the acquisition of the 2D data, the method 200acquires a plurality of 360° images in block 176. It should beappreciated that since the 360° images will be used in a photogrammetryprocess, the positions are selected for the 360° images so that there issome overlap or common structural portions between adjacent 360° images.This allows, via photogrammetry, for features in the images to betriangulated and three dimensional coordinates to be determined.

The method 200 then proceeds to block 202 where the 2D map, such as map206 for example, is annotated. The map may be annotated with 360° images208. The method 200 then proceeds to block 204 where a point cloud ofthe environment is generated. As used herein, a “point cloud” is acollection of a plurality of 3D coordinates that define points of spacein the environment. A point cloud may be used, for example, to generatea virtual image of the environment. In some embodiments, colorinformation for the location of the 3D coordinates in the environment isalso associated with the respective 3D coordinate in the point cloud.

In an embodiment, the 3D coordinates are generated using photogrammetry.Photogrammetry is a process of determining 3D coordinates usingtriangulation based at least in part on features common between twoimages. In some embodiments, the photogrammetry process uses dense imagematching. Dense image matching allows for the extraction of 3D surfacecoordinates at a higher density than traditional photogrammetrytechniques.

Dense image matching processes may include so called local methods orglobal methods. Local dense image mapping evaluates correspondences onepoint at a time without considering neighboring points. With globaldense image mapping a constraint is placed on the regularity of theresults during the estimation. Further, in some embodiments, asemi-global matching process may be used which realizes a pixel-wisematching through application of consistency of constraints with a costfunction. Available dense image matching processes include MICMACdistributed by the French Geographical Institute and OpenCV distributedby opencv.org. Commercially available dense image mapping may beperformed by PhotoScan distributed by Agisoft, LLC of St. Petersburg,Russia.

Once the point cloud is generated via photogrammetry, the 2D map 206 maybe annotated to include a link, such as a hyperlink, to the point clouddata. In an embodiment, the operator may access the point cloud datafrom the 2D map 206 by clicking on a link (such as an icon) and beinggiven the option of opening a 360° image 208 or opening the point cloud.It should be appreciated that the point cloud is represented as acollection of points in space that correspond to the 3D coordinates. Inan embodiment, visualization software presents a rendered image 210(FIG. 22 ) of the point cloud so that the surfaces in the image, such assurfaces 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 for example, appear to be solid. In anembodiment, the image 210 is transmitted to a virtual reality headsetallowing the operator to view the point cloud in three-dimensions.

With the 2D map 206 annotated with the point cloud, the method 200proceeds to block 180 where the 2D annotated map 190 is stored inmemory, such as nonvolatile memory 80 for example. The 2D annotated map190 may also be stored in a network accessible storage device or serverso that it may be accessed by the desired personnel.

It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein refer toannotating the 2D map 188, 206 with 360° images or point cloud links,the maps 188, 206 may further be annotated with other data includinguser-defined annotations (e.g. dimensions or room size), free-form text,hyperlinks, 2D or planar images, or recorded audio notes.

Referring now to FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 , an embodiment of a system 250 isshown. The system 250 includes a 2D scanner 252 and a 360° image device254. The 2D scanner 252 is similar 2D scanner 22 described herein, butalso includes a position indicator 272. Similarly, the device 254 issimilar to the device 24 described herein, but also includes a positionindicator 274. The position indicator 272 cooperates with the positionindicator 274 to determine when the scanner 252 is in a predeterminedposition and orientation relative to the device 254. In an embodiment,when the position indicators 272, 274 are engaged, the system 250determine and record the position of the device 254 on the 2D mapgenerated by the scanner 252. Once the device 254 is registered to thescanner 252 and the location determined, the 360° image acquired by thedevice 254 may be annotated onto the 2D map directly without having tomatch planes of the image to the lines on the 2D map.

In the embodiment of FIG. 24 , an embodiment is shown of the system 250using near field communications (NFC) for the position indicators 272,274. A near field communications system typically consists of a tag 276and a reader 278. The tag 276 and reader 278 are typically coupled toseparate devices or objects and when brought within a predetermineddistance of each other, cooperate to transfer data therebetween. Itshould be appreciated that while embodiments herein describe the tag 276as being mounted within or coupled to the body of the 2D scanner 252 andthe reader 278 as being disposed within the housing of the device 254,this is for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited.In other embodiments, the arrangement of the tag 276 and reader 278 maybe reversed.

As used herein, the term “near field communications” refers to acommunications system that allows for a wireless communications betweentwo devices over a short or close range, typically less than 5 inches(127 millimeters). NFC further provides advantages in thatcommunications may be established and data exchanged between the NFC tag276 and the reader 278 without the NFC tag 276 having a power sourcesuch as a battery. To provide the electrical power for operation of theNFC tag 276, the reader 278 emits a radio frequency (RF) field (theOperating Field). Once the NFC tag 276 is moved within the operatingfield, the NFC tag 276 and reader 278 are inductively coupled, causingcurrent flow through an NFC tag antenna. The generation of electricalcurrent via inductive coupling provides the electrical power to operatethe NFC tag 276 and establish communication between the tag and reader,such as through load modulation of the Operating Field by the NFC tag276. The modulation may be direct modulation, frequency-shift keying(FSK) modulation or phase modulation, for example. In one embodiment,the transmission frequency of the communication is 13.56 megahertz witha data rate of 106-424 kilobits per second.

In an embodiment, the 2D scanner 30 includes a position indicator 272that includes the NFC tag 276. The NFC tag 276 may be coupled at apredetermined location of the body of the 2D scanner 30. In anembodiment, the NFC tag 276 is coupled to the side of the 2D scanner 30to facilitate the operator 280 placing the NFC tag 276 adjacent thedevice 254 (FIG. 23 ). In an embodiment, the NFC tag 276 is coupled tocommunicate with the processor 78. In other embodiments, the NFC tag 276is a passive device that is not electrically coupled to other componentsof the 2D scanner 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the NFC tag 276includes data stored thereon, the data may include but is not limited toidentification data that allows the 2D scanner 252 to be uniquelyidentified (e.g. a serial number) or a communications address thatallows the device 254 to connect for communications with the 2D scanner252.

In one embodiment, the NFC tag 276 includes a logic circuit that mayinclude one or more logical circuits for executing one or more functionsor steps in response to a signal from an antenna. It should beappreciated that logic circuit may be any type of circuit (digital oranalog) that is capable of performing one or more steps or functions inresponse to the signal from the antenna. In one embodiment, the logiccircuit may further be coupled to one or more tag memory devicesconfigured to store information that may be accessed by logic circuit.NFC tags may be configured to read and write many times from memory(read/write mode) or may be configured to write only once and read manytimes from tag memory (card emulation mode). For example, where onlystatic instrument configuration data is stored in tag memory, the NFCtag may be configured in card emulation mode to transmit theconfiguration data in response to the reader 278 being brought withinrange of the tag antenna.

In addition to the circuits/components discussed above, in oneembodiment the NFC tag 276 may also include a power rectifier/regulatorcircuit, a clock extractor circuit, and a modulator circuit. Theoperating field induces a small alternating current (AC) in the antennawhen the reader 278 is brought within range of the tag 276. The powerrectifier and regulator converts the AC to stable DC and uses it topower the NFC tag 276, which immediately “wakes up” or initiatesoperation. The clock extractor separates the clock pulses from theoperating field and uses the pulses to synchronize the logic, memory,and modulator sections of the NFC tag 276 with the NFC reader 278. Thelogic circuit separates the 1's and 0's from the operating field andcompares the data stream with its internal logic to determine whatresponse, if any, is required. If the logic circuit determines that thedata stream is valid, it accesses the memory section for stored data.The logic circuit encodes the data using the clock extractor pulses. Theencoded data stream is input into the modulator section. The modulatormixes the data stream with the operating field by electronicallyadjusting the reflectivity of the antenna at the data stream rate.Electronically adjusting the antenna characteristics to reflect RF isreferred to as backscatter. Backscatter is a commonly used modulationscheme for modulating data on to an RF carrier. In this method ofmodulation, the tag coil (load) is shunted depending on the bit sequencereceived. This in turn modulates the RF carrier amplitude. The NFCreader detects the changes in the modulated carrier and recovers thedata.

In an embodiment, the NFC tag 276 is a dual-interface NFC tag, such asM24SR series NFC tags manufactured by ST Microelectronics N.V. forexample. A dual-interface memory device includes a wireless port thatcommunicates with an external NFC reader, and a wired port that connectsthe device with another circuit, such as processor 78. The wired portmay be coupled to transmit and receive signals from the processor 78 forexample. In another embodiment, the NFC tag 276 is a single port NFCtag, such as MIFARE Classic Series manufactured by NXP Semiconductors.With a single port tag, the tag 276 is not electrically coupled to theprocessor 78.

It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein disclose theoperation of the NFC tag 276 in a passive mode, meaning aninitiator/reader device provides an operating field and the NFC tag 276responds by modulating the existing field, this is for exemplarypurposes and the claimed invention should not be so limited. In otherembodiments, the NFC tag 276 may operate in an active mode, meaning thatthe NFC tag 276 and the reader 278 may each generate their own operatingfield. In an active mode, communication is performed by the NFC tag 276and reader 278 alternately generating an operating field. When one ofthe NFC tag and reader device is waiting for data, its operating fieldis deactivated. In an active mode of operation, both the NFC tag and thereader device may have its own power supply.

In an embodiment, the reader 278 is disposed within the housing of thedevice 254. The reader 278 includes, or is coupled to a processor, suchas processor 130 coupled to one or more memory modules 132. Theprocessor 130 may include one or more logical circuits for executingcomputer instructions. Coupled to the processor 130 is an NFC radio 284.The NFC radio 284 includes a transmitter 286 that transmits an RF field(the operating field) that induces electric current in the NFC tag 276.Where the NFC tag 276 operates in a read/write mode, the transmitter 286may be configured to transmit signals, such as commands or data forexample, to the NFC tag 276.

The NFC radio 284 may further include a receiver 288. The receiver 288is configured to receive signals from, or detect load modulation of, theoperating field by the NFC tag 276 and to transmit signals to theprocessor 264. Further, while the transmitter 286 and receiver 288 areillustrated as separate circuits, this is for exemplary purposes and theclaimed invention should not be so limited. In other embodiments, thetransmitter 286 and receiver 284 may be integrated into a single module.The antennas being configured to transmit and receive signals in the13.56 megahertz frequency.

As is discussed in more detail herein, when the 2D scanner 252 ispositioned relative to the device 254, the tag 276 may be activated bythe reader 278. Thus the position of the 2D scanner 252 relative to thedevice 254 will be generally known due to the short transmissiondistances provided by NFC. It should be appreciated that since theposition of the tag 276 is known, and the position of the reader 278 isknown, this allows the transforming of coordinates in the devicecoordinate frame of reference (e.g. point cloud data generated viaphotogrammetry) into the 2D scanner coordinate frame of reference.

It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein refer to theposition indicators 272, 274 as utilizing NFC elements, this is forexemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In otherembodiments, the position indicators 272, 274 may be any suitablemechanical, electro-mechanical, magnetic or optical arrangement thatallows the respective processors to determine the 2D scanner and thedevice are in a predetermined position and pose relative to each other.In an embodiment, the position indicators 272, 274 may include thoseposition indicators described in commonly owned and copending U.S.application Ser. No. 15/713,931, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

Terms such as processor, controller, computer, DSP, FPGA are understoodin this document to mean a computing device that may be located withinthe system 30 instrument, distributed in multiple elements throughoutthe system, or placed external to the system (e.g. a mobile computingdevice).

Referring now to FIG. 25 , an example of the operation of the system 250is illustrated. The operator 280 initiates operation of the 2D scanner252 and places the scanner 252 next to the device 254 to engage theposition indicators 272, 274. At this point, the position of the device254 (e.g. position 1) is registered to the 2D scanner 252 and theposition of the device 254 may be indicated on the 2D map generated fromthe data acquired by the 2D scanner 252. While in the first position,the device 254 acquires a first 360° image of the environment. It shouldbe appreciated that the operation device 252 to acquire a 360° image maybe performed before or after the initiation of the 2D scanner 252.

The operator 280 then proceeds to move the 2D scanner 252 along a path300 to scan the environment. As the 2D scanner 252 moves along the path300, a 2D map of the environment is generated, such as by using theaforementioned methods described herein. The operator continues to movethe 2D scanner 252 along the path 300 to a second position spaced apartfrom the initial or first position. It should be appreciated that theillustrated path 300 is exemplary and not intended to be limited, thepath 300 may be any suitable path that allows the operator to scan theenvironment or regions of interest within the environment. The device254 is moved from the first position to the second position. It shouldbe appreciated that the movement of the device 254 may occur when the 2Dscanner 252 is located at the second position, or may be movedsimultaneously as the 2D scanner 252 is moved along the path 300.

In an embodiment, while the 2D scanner 252 and the device 254 are in thesecond position, two actions may occur. The first step is theacquisition of a second 360° image of the environment by the device 254.The second step includes having the operator 280 place the scanner 252next to the device 254 to engage the position indicators 272, 274. Atthis point, the position of the device 254 (e.g. position 2) isregistered to the 2D scanner 252 and the position of the device 254 maybe indicated on the 2D map generated from the data acquired by the 2Dscanner 252.

As discussed above, the first 360° image and the second 360° image maybe linked to the 2D map, with the links being located at the position onthe 2D map where the respective 360° image was acquired. In anotherembodiment, the first 360° image and the second 360° image may be usedto generate a 3D point cloud of the environment photogrammetrictechniques using feature matching in the areas of overlap in the fieldof view of the device 254 in the first position and the second position.In one embodiment, dense image matching is used to generate the 3D pointcloud.

Referring now to FIGS. 26-27 a method 400 is shown of the operation ofthe system 250 where multiple devices 254 are used. The method 400begins in block 402 with the device 254A acquiring a first 360° image ata first position (location “1” of FIG. 26 ). The method 400 thenproceeds to block 404 where the 2D scanner 252 is moved adjacent thedevice 254 such that the position indicator 272 engages the positionindicator 274. In the embodiment of FIG. 24 , the placement of the tag276 within range of the reader 278 allows the registration of the device254 to the 2D scanner 252, and thus the location of the first 360° imageis known on the 2D map generated by the 2D scanner 252. In anembodiment, data is also transferred between the device 254A and the 2Dscanner 252. The transferred data may include but is not limited to anidentification data of the device 254A and the first 360° image forexample. Once the device 254 is registered to the 2D scanner 252, themethod 400 then proceeds to block 406 where the 2D scanner 252 isactivates. In one embodiment, the 2D scanner 252 is automaticallyactivated by the registration, such as via a signal from the devicecommunications circuit 140 to the 2D scanner communications circuit 92or via NFC. In an embodiment, the 2D scanner 252 continuously scansuntil the device 254B and the 2D scanner 252 are registered a secondtime.

In block 406, the operator 280 scans the environment by moving the 2Dscanner 252 along a path 430. The 2D scanner acquires 2D coordinate dataof the environment as it is moved along the path 430 in the mannerdescribed herein. It should be appreciated that the 2D coordinate data(e.g. the 2D map) is generated in a local coordinate frame of referenceof the 2D scanner 252.

The method 400 then proceeds to block 407 where a second 360° image isacquired a second position (e.g. location “2” of FIG. 26 ). The method400 then proceeds to block 408 where the 2D scanner 252 is once againmoved adjacent the device 254B (at the second position) to engage theposition indicator 272 and position indicator 274. The engagement of theposition indicators 272, 274, registers the position and orientation ofthe device 254 relative to the 2D scanner 252. In an embodiment, thissecond registration of the 2D scanner 252 causes the 2D scanner 252 tostop scanning. In an embodiment, blocks 407, 408 are reversed and theregistration of the 2D scanner 252 causes the device 254B toautomatically acquire the second 360° image.

In an embodiment, the 360° image data acquired at a position istransferred in block 410 from the device 254 to the 2D scanner 252. Inanother embodiment, the 360° image data is transferred to a remotecomputer, such as computer 261 for example, and integrated with the 2Dmap after the scanning by the 2D scanner 252 is completed.

With the 2D scanner 30 registered, the method 400 then proceeds to block412, where blocks 407, 408 (and optionally block 410) are repeated for athird position (e.g. location “3” in FIG. 27 ) where the 2D scanner 252is registered to device 254C and a fourth position (e.g. location “4” inFIG. 27 ) where 2D scanner 252 is registered to device 252D. It shouldbe appreciated that the device 254C acquires a third 360° image and thedevice 254D acquires a fourth 360° image.

In an embodiment where the 360° images are used to generate a pointcloud, once the scanning with the 2D scanner 252 is completed and the360° images are acquired, the method 400 proceeds to block 414 where thepoint cloud data (which is in the local coordinate system of therespective device 254 that acquired the image) is transformed into thecoordinate system of the 2D scanner 252. As a result, the 3D point clouddata may be associated with locations on the 2D map in block 416.

Technical effects and benefits of some embodiments include providing asystem that allows the rapid generation of a 2D map of an environmentthat has been annotated with 360° images or a point cloud. Furthertechnical effects and benefits is to allow for registering a location ofa 360° camera device with a 2D scanner and the rapid noncontactacquisition of a dense point cloud using photogrammetry.

The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associatedwith measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipmentavailable at the time of filing the application. For example, “about”can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components,and/or groups thereof.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with onlya limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood thatthe invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, theinvention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretoforedescribed, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of theinvention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention havebeen described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention mayinclude only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, butis only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system of generating a two-dimensional (2D)image of an environment, the system comprising: one or more processors;a 2D scanner sized and weighted to be carried by a single person, havinga first light source, an image sensor, and an inertial measurement unit,the first light source steers a beam of light within a first plane toilluminate object points in the environment, the image sensor isarranged to receive light reflected from the object points; a 3Dmeasurement device having a 360° camera coupled to movable platform, the360° camera having a plurality of cameras and a second controller, thesecond controller being operable to merge the images acquired by theplurality of cameras to generate an image having a 360° view in ahorizontal plane, the 3D measurement device being movable from a firstposition to a second position on the movable platform; wherein the oneor more processors are responsive to non-transient executableinstructions which when executed by the one or more processors to: causethe 2D scanner to acquire a plurality of two-dimensional coordinates ofpoints on surfaces in the environment; cause the 3D measurement deviceat the first position to acquire a first 360° image of the environment;generate a 2D map based at least in part on the plurality oftwo-dimensional coordinates of points; and integrate the first 360°image onto the 2D map.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the executableinstructions further comprise causing the 3D measurement device at thesecond position to acquire a second 360° image of the environment. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the executable instructions furthercomprise registering the first 360° image to the second 360° image. 4.The system of claim 3, further comprising generating a point cloud basedat least in part on the first 360° image and the second 360° image. 5.The system of claim 4, wherein the point cloud is generated using denseimage matching.
 6. The system of claim 4, further comprising creating anelectronic link between the point cloud and the 2D map.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the 2D scanner further scans light over an angle andsimultaneously measures an angle value and corresponding distance valueto each of the illuminated object points.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the 360° image is a spherical projection.
 9. The system of claim1, wherein the 360° image is a cylindrical projection.